Waking up drenched in sweat can be both uncomfortable and alarming.
Night sweats, or excessive sweating while sleeping, are more than just a nuisance—they can be a sign of underlying health issues or lifestyle factors that need attention.
While a warm room or heavy blankets might seem like the obvious culprits, persistent nighttime sweating often point to deeper causes.
In this article, we explore the causes of nocturnal sweating, discuss natural remedies to manage them, and answer key questions to help you understand and address this condition.
Contents
What causes night sweats?
Night sweats can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from hormonal changes to serious medical conditions.
Here are the most common causes of sleep-related sweating:
1. Hormonal changes and imbalances
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, pregnancy, or puberty, are a leading cause of night sweats.
Conditions like hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can also disrupt your body’s temperature regulation, leading to excessive sweating during sleep.
Even hormonal therapy or treatments can sometimes contribute to sweating at night.
2. Infections and illnesses
Infections such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and bacterial infections (e.g., bacterial endocarditis or osteomyelitis) can trigger night sweats as your body fights off the invading pathogens.
Fever, which often accompanies these illnesses, can worsen sweating.
3. Medication side effects
Certain medications, including antidepressants (especially SSRIs), diabetes medications, high blood pressure medications, and steroid medications, are known to cause night sweats as a side effect.
Even medications like methadone can be associated with night sweats.
If you’ve recently started a new medication and noticed excessive sweating during sleep, consult your doctor.
4. Cancer and cancer treatments
While less common, night sweats can sometimes be an early warning sign of cancers like lymphoma or leukaemia.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can also cause bedtime sweating as a side effect.
5. Neurological conditions
Neurological disorders can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to sweating at night.
Here’s how:
- Autonomic neuropathy: This condition affects the nerves that control involuntary bodily functions, including sweating.
Damage to these nerves can cause excessive sweating, even during sleep. - Stroke: In rare cases, a stroke can impact the hypothalamus or other parts of the brain responsible for temperature regulation, leading to nocturnal sweating.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS can disrupt the nervous system’s ability to control body temperature, resulting in episodes of excessive sweating.
6. Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders can significantly contribute to night sweats by disrupting your body’s natural cooling mechanisms.
- Sleep apnea: This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to drops in oxygen levels and increased stress on the body.
This can trigger night sweats as your body tries to regulate itself. - Night terrors or nightmares: Intense dreams or night terrors can activate the body’s stress response, leading to excessive sweating during sleep.
- Insomnia: Chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate temperature, making you more prone to night perspiration.
7. Blood sugar imbalances
For individuals with diabetes, night sweats can be a sign of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
If you’re taking diabetes medications like insulin, monitor your blood sugar levels closely to avoid sudden drops that trigger excessive sweating.
8. Lifestyle factors
Certain lifestyle factors can significantly impact your likelihood of experiencing sleep-related sweating.
Alcohol use, especially excessive consumption, can disrupt sleep patterns and cause sweating.
Similarly, night sweats and obesity are linked, as excess body weight can make it harder for your body to regulate its temperature.
Stress and anxiety can also trigger the body’s stress response, leading to increased sweating.
Even conditions like gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can sometimes contribute to nighttime sweating.
9. Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can occur even during sleep.
In some cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic hyperhidrosis), but it’s worth exploring with a healthcare provider.
10. Other medical conditions
Rare conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland) or autoimmune disorders can also manifest as bedtime sweating.
These conditions often require specialized medical attention.
What are some surprising causes of night sweats?
Beyond the usual suspects, there are some lesser-known and unexpected triggers for night sweats:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This condition can disrupt your body’s natural rhythms, leading to excessive sweating during sleep.
- Caffeine withdrawal: Cutting back on caffeine can cause sleep sweats as your body adjusts to the change.
- Opioid use or withdrawal: Changes in brain chemistry from opioid use or withdrawal can trigger sweating.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that causes hormonal imbalances and sweating at night.
If your night sweats persist without an obvious cause, it’s worth discussing these lesser-known triggers with your doctor.
What are the supplements for night sweats?
Certain natural remedies and supplements can help manage excessive sweating during sleep, especially when hormonal imbalances or stress are the root cause. Here are some popular options, along with how to use them:
1. Sage
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antiperspirant properties, sage can help reduce excessive sweating, particularly in menopausal women.
- Take sage as a tea, tincture, or capsule. For tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried sage leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups daily.
2. Black Cohosh
This herb is widely used to manage menopause symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, by balancing hormone levels.
- Take black cohosh as a capsule or tincture (aff).
Follow the dosage instructions on the product label, typically 20-40 mg daily.
- Menopausal Support
- Free Of Excipients
3. Evening Primrose Oil
Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), this supplement may help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce sweating.
- Take evening primrose oil as a capsule (aff).
The typical dose is 500-1,000 mg daily, but consult your doctor for personalized advice.
4. Vitamin E
Some studies suggest that vitamin E can help alleviate night sweats, especially in menopausal women.
- Take vitamin E as a capsule or include vitamin E-rich foods (e.g., almonds, spinach, sunflower seeds) in your diet.
The recommended dose is 15 mg daily for adults.
5. Magnesium
This mineral helps regulate the nervous system and may reduce stress-related sweating. It also promotes better sleep.
- Take magnesium as a supplement (200-400 mg daily) or consume magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
6. Dong Quai
Often used in traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is believed to support hormonal health and reduce night sweats.
- Take Dong Quai as a capsule, tincture, or tea (aff).
Follow the dosage instructions on the product label, typically 3-6 grams daily.
- The information below is per-pack only
- FEMALE SUPPORT*: Highly valued for thousands of years by Asian herbalists
Important Note: Always consult your doctor before starting any natural remedies or supplements, as they may interact with medications or have side effects.
How can I stop night sweats naturally?
If you’re looking for natural remedies to manage sleep sweats, consider these strategies:
1. Optimize your sleep environment
Sometimes, the cause of night sweats isn’t internal—it’s your surroundings.
Environmental factors like a hot bedroom, heavy bedding, or poor ventilation can trap heat and make you sweat excessively at night.
Even your sleepwear can play a role: synthetic fabrics like polyester don’t breathe well, trapping moisture and heat close to your skin.
To combat this:
- Keep your bedroom cool (between 60-67°F or 15-19°C).
- Use a fan for airflow and to help regulate your body temperature.
- Opt for lightweight, breathable bedding made of natural fibers like cotton or bamboo.
- Wear cotton pajamas to promote breathability and reduce sweating.
2. Cooling techniques
- Place a cold compress or damp cloth by your bed to cool down quickly if you wake up sweating.
- Use moisture-wicking mattress pads or cooling pillows to help regulate body heat.
3. Dietary adjustments
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods before bed, as they can increase body temperature.
- Stay hydrated by keeping cold water by your bed.
4. Stress management
- Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage stress and anxiety.
- Use aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender or chamomile to promote relaxation.
5. Sleep hygiene
- Improve your sleep hygiene by establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a dark, quiet sleep environment.
- Avoid screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
6. Exercise
- Regular exercise can improve overall health and potentially reduce excessive night perspiration, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.
When should I be concerned about night sweats?
While occasional night sweats may not be a cause for concern, you should consult a healthcare professional if:
- Night sweats are persistent and disrupt your sleep.
- You experience other symptoms like fever, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue.
- You have a family history of conditions associated with nocturnal sweating, such as cancer or thyroid disease.
During your doctor consultation, your doctor will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and may order blood tests, imaging scans, or other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your nighttime sweating and provide the correct diagnosis and treatment options.
Taking control of night sweats
Night sweats can be frustrating, but understanding their causes and solutions is key to finding relief.
By addressing underlying conditions, making lifestyle changes, and consulting your doctor when needed, you can effectively manage night sweats and improve your overall well-being.
Whether it’s through natural remedies, cooling tips, or medical treatment, there are solutions to help you stop excessive sweating during sleep.
Your questions about night sweats
Can dehydration cause night sweats?
Yes, dehydration can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate temperature, potentially leading to night sweats. Staying hydrated throughout the day can help prevent this.
Are night sweats more common in men or women?
While night sweats are often associated with menopause in women, men can also experience them due to conditions like low testosterone, sleep apnea, or infections.
Can allergies or sinus issues cause night sweats?
Yes, allergies or sinus infections can lead to night sweats, especially if they cause difficulty breathing or disrupt sleep.
Are night sweats a sign of vitamin deficiencies?
Certain deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamin D or B vitamins, can affect your nervous system and potentially contribute to night sweats.
Do night sweats affect children?
While less common, children can experience night sweats due to fever, infections, or conditions like sleep apnea. If persistent, consult a pediatrician.